Students in Souths Cares' Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) mentoring program attended an industry visit to the Sydney Metro site at Marrickville on Thursday 6th December. The visit was hosted by John Holland CPB Ghella (JHCPBG) who have been contracted to deliver the 15.5 kilometre twin railway tunnels on Australia's biggest public transport project.
The tour kicked off with a site induction and a panel discussion with industry leaders, followed by an augmented reality workshop and an opportunity to view the construction of the twin metro railway tunnels from Sydenham to Chatswood via the CBD and under Sydney Harbour.
Students had the chance to rub shoulders with workers from JHCPBG who represented a wide range of trades including human resources, environmental sustainability, engineering, design, project management, fitter and turners, labourers and safety inspectors. A key theme for the day was the importance of teamwork, with the JHCPBG staff sharing their experiences and challenges of working on a project which involves about 480 team members.
The industry visit also launched the beginning of a new partnership between JHCPBG and Souths Cares, which will support Aboriginal high school students to secure work experience and employment pathways in the construction industry.
JHCPBG Project Director Terry Sleiman explained the build of Sydney Metro was about much more than public transport.
Terry SleimanWhile our construction team is delivering this iconic Sydney Metro infrastructure project we are looking forward to also leaving a legacy that makes a lasting and meaningful difference to the lives of young people
Souths Cares General Manager, Alisha Parker-Elrez was thrilled to launch the partnership with JHCPBG.
"Our partnership will provide great training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal young people in the construction industry. We are looking forward to working together and helping our young people to dream big and achieve their aspirations," Ms Parker-Elrez explained.
Souths Cares' Nanga Mai Marri (Dream Big) program currently has over 80 participants and is delivered at schools in the South Sydney region including Alexandria Park, JJ Cahill, Matraville, South Sydney and Tempe high schools.
